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Fact, Fiction, and Simple Faith
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Vayikra - Beholding the scene of Tashlich on a Rosh Hashanah afternoon can be an uplifting and inspiring experience. From a spirit of contrition, the multitudes converge at the water to recite their prayers and “throw their aveiros (sins) into the water.” Read the text version |
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The Joy of Tza’ar
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Vayakhel Pekudei - They were finally nearing the completion of the entire glorious project. After collecting all of the valuable contributions, providing the instructions and materials, and, of course, performing the actual construction and craftsmanship themselves, the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was ready. But there was one hitch: no one could figure out how to get it to stand. Read the text version |
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Going to Great Lengths
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Ki Sisa - Front loaded: Usually, the different sections of a given parshah are more or less uniform. Seven people are called to the Torah on Shabbos, and so the parshah is divided into seven aliyos. That is, until we get to this week’s parshah. Read the text version |
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The Ultimate Shteller
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Tetzaveh & Purim - Often, the Torah serves to correct our vision. We may form our own opinions about a particular issue; when we turn to the Torah for guidance, however, it casts the matter in its true light. Read the text version |
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Builders and Destroyers
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Terumah - The venerated Divrei Chaim of Tzanz, surrounded by a group of loyal adherents, sat immersed in thought. Finally, he revealed what was on his mind.. Read the text version |
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License to Kill
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Mishpatim - The taking of human life, obviously, is something upon which the Torah frowns – to say the least. Human life is paramount, and the prohibition of murder is basically inviolate. Read the text version |
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Strength Through Struggle
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Yisro - The great yeshivos have played an integral role in safeguarding the Jewish people’s existence throughout our history. Jewish life would thrive where these Torah institutions were established and supported. In places where Torah education was neglected, the Jewish identity would inevitably dissolve. Read the text version |
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Redirecting Wrath
Mishnas Chayim for Parshas Beshalach - One of the interesting – and sobering – phenomena that we find in Torah literature is the notion of “co-opting” anger. There are instances in which a certain individual incurs Divine Wrath, but someone else comes along and (deservedly) becomes the target.s. Read the text version |
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